3 reasons N.C. State is a real threat to Clemson

After Thursday night’s win over Louisville, here are three reasons N.C. State is a real threat to Clemson.

The N.C. State Wolfpack avenged last year’s narrow loss to Florida State with a 27-21 win on Sept. 23, but they still had something to prove Thursday night against Louisville and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Jackson mostly did his thing, with 354 passing yards, 73 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns, but a late pick-six extended the margin in a 39-25 win for N.C. State.

Dave Doeren’s team is now 5-1 this year, with a five-game winning streak since a 35-28 season-opening loss to South Carolina. A couple of road games are next on the schedule for N.C. State, at Pitt (Oct. 14) and at Notre Dame (Oct. 28), before a Nov. 4 home game against defending national champion Clemson.

The Wolfpack sent a statement to the rest of their conference by taking down Louisville, and they could win the ACC Atlantic Division.

Here are three reasons N.C. State is a serious threat to Clemson right now.

3. Offensive Weapons

Through six games, N.C. State has three players with at least four rushing touchdowns and four with more than 20 catches and 250 receiving yards. One player is on both of those lists, as Jaylen Samuels leads the team in receptions (50), is second in receiving yards (425), averages 5.3 yards per carry and has eight total touchdowns (tied for team-high five rushing and a tied for team-high three receiving).

Running back Nyheim Hines had 225 total yards against Louisville, including 102 rushing and 105 on kickoff returns highlighted by a 48-yarder. Wide receiver Kelvin Harmon had 133 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals, as he won an individual matchup with cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz has been pressing all the right buttons, and he’s got the players at his disposal to keep the momentum going.